Safety appliance for automobiles, etc.



Jan. s, 1924. 1,480,178

L.. MoRDANo SAFETY APPLIANCE FOR AUTOMOBILES, ETC

Fi-led April '29. 1921 4 Sheets-Sheet ly f w im?,

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A Jan. s, 1924.

` 1,480,178 l.. MoRDANo SAFETY APPLIANCE FOR AUTOMOBILES, ETC

Filed April 29. 1921 4 sheets-sheet a' Jan.. Vs ,1924. 1,480,178y

L. MORDANO SAFETY APPLIANCE FOR AUTOMOBILES, ETCv Filed April 29. 1921 l 4 sheets-sheet s Jan. 8 l1924.

L. MGRDANO SAFETY APPLIANGE FOR AUTOMOBILES, ETCv 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 Filed April 29. 1921 Y Patented Jan. 8, 1924.

UNITE@ STATES PATEN'TOFFICE.

LEONARD lfIORDANO, 0F NEW YORK, N. Y.

SAFETY APPLIANCE FOR AUTOMOBILES, ETC.

Application filed April 29, 1921.

To all whom t may conce/m.'

Be it known that I, Incom-inn MoRDANo, a subject of the Sultan of Morocco, (having declared my intention of becoming a citizen of the United States), and a resident of the borough of Manhattan, city, county, and State of New York, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Safety Appliances for Automobiles, Etc., of which the following is a specification.

Primarily, the object of my invention is to prevent the surreptitious operation or use of an automobile, auto-truck or similar motor vehicle; and secondarily, to give audible warning of any attempt to do so; both of which results I attain by means of a manipulatory rotative dial spindle and accessories adapted to open and close the electric sparking circuit, and the electric alarm circuit, in the manner and for the purposes hereinafter fully set forth, the invention consisting essentially in the specific combination and arrangement of parts and elements described and claimed, and a distinctive feature being the adaptation of the principle of the permutation lock to safeguard the vehicle by the control of said electric circuits substantially as exemplified in connection with the accompanying drawings.

In the accompanying drawings,

Fig. 1, is a front elevation of my safety appliance as positioned on the dash-board, or other fixed part, of a lvehicle of the character designated;`

Fig. 2, is a central vertical section taken upon plane of line 2 2, Fig. 1;

Fig. 2a, is a sectional `detail showing a modification of certain parts shown in Fio. 2;

F ig. 3, is a rear elevation of the device;

Fig. 4, is a sectional elevation taken upon plane of line l-t, Fig. 2;

Fig. 5, is a sectional elevation taken upon plane of line 5 5, Fig. 2;

Fig. 6, is a sectional elevation taken upon plane of line 6 6, Fig.2;

Fig. Y, isa sectional elevation taken upon plane of line 7 7, Fig. 5; y

Fig. 8, is a diagram illustrating the electric circuits involved;

Fig. 9, is an edge elevation of one of the permutation arms or tumblers;

Fig. 9a, is an elevation thereof, taken at right angles to Fig. 9, and broken away in para Fig. 10, is a sectional detail, upon an en Serial No. 465,592.

larged scale, taken upon plane of line 10 10, Fig. L1;

Fig. 11, is a sectional detail, on a similar enlarged scale, taken upon plane of line ii-ii, Fig. e; Y

Fig. 12, is a sectional detail taken upon plane of line 12-12, Fig. 11;

Fig. 13, is an elevatiompartly in section, of the basic structure of my device, with the operative parts omitted, but showing the electrical contact plates, etc.;

Fig.l 14, is a sectional elevation taken upon plane of line M lt, Fig. 13;

Fig. 15, is a sectional elevation taken upon plane of line 15-15, Fig.13;

Fig. 16, is a sectional elevation taken upon plane of line 16-16, Fig. 13;

Fig. 17, is a perspective view of one of the contact plates;

Fig. 18, is an elevation, in part, similar to Fig. 13, showing a modification.

represents a lportion of a dash-board, or other conveniently available fixed support, on which my safety appliance may bev mounted, said support D, being formed with an opening or recess 0l, for the accommodation of the basic structure B, of the device, said basic portion consisting essentially cfa relatively hollow cylindrical container block of non-conductive material, as shown more particularly inFigs. 13 to 16 inclusive, and designated hereinafter, for convenience, as

the base block B.

To this base block B, is secured the annular face plate F, by means of screws b, b; and the face plate F, is in turn screwed (as at f, f) ror otherwise rigidly attached to the support D, as shown in Figs. 1 and 2. A casing C, indicated by dotted lines in Fig. 2, encloses thel rear of the base block B, and the parts mounted thereon.

The central opening f', in the annular face plate F, accommodates the shank s, of the permutation-dial-spindle S, which isformed with the conoidal. dial head s, having the knob s2 for mani ulative ur oses said 7 7 spindle S, being rotatably mounted on the face plate F, by means of asplit annular bearing plate e, having a bevelled inner edge e', which contacts with the bevelled edge S3, of the spindle head sf, as shown more particularly in Fig. 2, the split or space between the ends of said annular bearing plate e, being occupied bya sectionaly clamping plate. e2, provided kwith a; set screw e, the threaded shank-of which engages with "LTI a female thread formed for the pijupose in the underlying portion ot the tace plat-.e l?, thus atl'ording moans whereby the spindle Si, may he held rigidly in a prescribed posi tion, and against rotation, when desired.

rllhe peripheral edge s3, ot' the ,dial head s', ot the permutation spindle S, is formed with a scale 8X, (Fig, consisting oi' a series ot figures or other marks tor use in .connection with a pointer or indicator e, on the hearing plate c, as a means for set tino' or prescribing the axial position of said spindle S, and its shanlg s. as relate-d the operative' parts positioned within the hase block B.

@n said shank s. ot the rotatable spindle S, positioned a Asleeve ,ogt insulating ina.- terial, the inner end of shangk S, and its said insulating c', being supported and centralized hy a hearing o', torijued tor the purpose the rear wall egt the has@ block B. This insulating sleeve z', may he rigidly attac-hed to .the shank S, of the permutation spindle S, as in Fig. 2, ,hy a screw a, passing through sa-id sleeve l, and screwing directly; into the shank S, or, Vas in the modification shown in 2, a loinding` screw 2, may he employed to enga-ge a thread formed for the 'purpose in the ond of the shank s, the head ot lthe screw 2, pressing against the rea-r end ot the .insulating sleeve z', Iand thereby holding it against rotation on the spindfie shank s. 1n ,either case the shii'terfarm j, 4is rigidly atliX-ed to salio sleeve i, so as to rotate therewith.

The function ct said shijtter arno j, is to turn 4 the .electric circuit switch plates 70, 7a2, either to the Yrifglit 0r left, according to the direction which the permutation spindle S, is manipulated thnough the medium of the yknol) c2. To Vthis 1 the said switch plates 7c, 7c2, are mounted loosely upon the sleeve c', so as ,to he independently rotatable thereon, That is to say., the 'huh lsleeve c, of the iirst switch plate 70" Lis mounted loosely vbut directly upon the insulating sleeve e', while the hfuh :slee-vc 22, oft the second .switch plate 7:2, is mounted ydirect-ly and loosely upon s 'il .huh vrsleeve 7n, ot the first named =switch plate 7c, as shown more particularly :in Figs.` 2 and 2a. Z, Z2, are spring latches pivotall-y niiounted on the switch plates 7d, 71:2, which yield .to the shifter-arm j, -in fone direction only, as .will loe understood hy reterenffe more pan iticularly to Fig. Iil, ofthe drawings. Yllhus the switch plate .70, can he rotated hy Ithe shifter .arm j, only in :the vdirection of Jthe solid arrow 'tigipwhile theother switch .plate 702, can ltie-rotated only in the opposite direction loyk said shifter arm j, as indicated by vthe dottedarrow ',liig. 4.-it1he1ngunderstood Athatl the latches 7', y72, v11e A :as related fto ,each other. and ijlhat the con testuali engagement of the hub :sleeves 70 and 7022, with each other and with the insulating sleeve i, affords suhicient Ytrictional. resistance to hold the said switch plates 7c', 7a2, against rotation unless positively manipulated hy means ot said shifter arm j; and that the springs which hear against the latches Z, Z2, while having suiiicient resilient torce .to hold said latches in normal position, are of insufficient strength to overcome said trictional contactual resistance hetween the hubl sleeves oit .the switch plates 7c', 702, and the insulating; sleeve above set forth. Hence cach oi said switch plates 7c", 7.42, is rotatable only in one direction, and that in opposition to the direction of rotation of the other switch plate.

g, g", are terminal contact plates which are positioned on dia-metrically `opposite sides of the hase block B, as shown in Figs. 2, 4, 13, le `and 16, being held in position thereon by screws g', g2, the inner ends ot which also act .as binding posts for circuit wi-res,-lock nuts g3, g3, being provided for the purpose, as shown particularly in Fig. 2, of the drc wings. The upper screw post g', is connected directly ,hy wire g, with the battery g, (Fig. 8) yor other source of electricity, while the other post g2, is connected .(see g4, Fig. 6) with the coil of the electro-magnet mv, which in turn -is connected relectrically, as at g5, with the twin magnet m', the coil of which is grounded through the connection g, lllig. 6, thus completing and closing 4the magnetic circuit when the two switch plates 7c', 702, are positioned with their lcontact arms 7021, 7022, in electrical engagement with the aforesaid diametrically opposed contact plates /g, gx, as shown in Figs. 2 and 4f..

By preference, I `employ a magnetic circuit ot the character designated herein to control the sparking circuit, although the latter might he controlled direct .by the switch plates 72", 762, il: preferred.

As shown in the drawings, the cores m", m2, ot the magnets m, m, when energized, `actuate an armature c, pivotalily suspended between bracket members o2, 722, rigidly attached 4to the rear wall ot the hase block B. Normally the armature o, Iis held in retracted position hy means ot aA spring c, which :causeszstops o2, o2, on the huh oi" the armature a, to rest against the upper edges oit the bracket members 62:792, `as indicated in Figs. 2, 3, and 5- 0n ,the armature n iS secured an ,insulating plate to which is attached a. bridge plate at, Vhaving yieldaloly mounted thereon contactstuds c5. That is to say, said Contact studs o5. as shown more particularly in `Fig, 1 have coiled springs a, interposed between their heads 0.5i.y and the insulating plate c3, the thrust of the springs @5., being limited hy nuts o7, on the threaded rear ends of the studs. This elastic resilient support .of .the contact studs Viti ,shank s.

a5, enables them to press positively against the terminal plates 7L, 7i', of the electric horn circuit without impeding the motion or function of the armature a., as actuated and controlled bythe electro-magnets m, m.

The terminai plates 71 71,', are secured to the rear wall of the base block B, by means of screws 7b2, 7t3, which also connect said terminal plates 7L, 7i', electrically (as by 71,22, 7i, Fig. 13) with the segmental contact plates 7a4, 7E, mounted in and on the said base block B, as indicated more particularly in Fig. 13 of thel drawings. The contact plate 71,4, is electrically connected by the conductor 7a, with the binding screw g', which is in direct electrical connection with the battery g or other source of electricity, as heretofore sta-ted in connection with the magnetic circuit. The Contact plate h', is electrically connected by a conductor 7L51, with another segmental contact plate h6, from which a grounding conductor 71,", extends.

1t is to be noted that the several contact plates g. g", 7L, 7L5, and 71.6, are arranged concentrically as related to the permutation spindle S, and its shank s2, and within the path of the contact arms 7s, kx, of the two switch plates 7c', 7a2, as rotated by the shifter arm j. The spaces bx, 79X, between the adjacent ends of said contact plates g, g', 7b4, 72,5. and 706, (see particularly Fig. 13) constitute neutral areas in which the said contact arms k, 7c, of the switch plates 7c', 702, are inoperative in the sense that when either of said contact arms 7c, 7cm, is so positioned in any of said neutral spaces 7J", b", no current can pass through the switch plates 7c', 7:2, which latter are unitary in function. That is to say, the two switch plates act in conjunction to form a bridge for the passage of an electrical current when their contact arms 7a, 70, are in electrical engagement with opposite circuit terminals, and in this respect they differ' from the ordinary circuit opening and closing switch or keyA Thus in Figs. 2 and 4C. their contact arms 7:, 7W. are shown as in electrical engagement with the contact plates g, g", thereby closing" theJ electro-magnetic circuit which controls the sparking circuit.

- The shifter arm j, is of course set upon the of the permutator spindle Si, with relation to the scale SX, on the dial head s', of the latter, in such manner that a prescribed combination of iigures has to be effected by the'manipulation of said dial as related to the pointer e, Fig. 1, in order to close the magnetic circuit. through the medium of the switch plates 7a', 702. yFor instance,y for convenience of illustration, we will suppose that the combination is o, and 50. as in Figs. 1, 2 and 4, in which the terminal plates g, g", are positioned diametrically on opposite sides -of the spindle S. If, however, a diere'nt combination is desired the same may be obviously attained either by shifting the Contact plates g, or gx, or by adjusting the shifter arm j, 0n the shank s, of the spindle. QF or instance, referring to Fig. 18, it is obvious that if the contact, plate g, be shifted to either of the positions indicated by g, g ,`therein, the timing oi contact with relation to the dial s', will be altered accordingly, which illustrates one method of varying the operative combination, the knowledgey of which is essential in order to render the sparking circuit lof the motor effective. Or, referringI now to Fig. 2, the binding screw i2, may be loosened, and the insulating sleeve t', and shifter arm j, turned more or less with relation to the dial index sx, with like result. In either case the parts are set with relation to the `spark-controlling-circuit, which is inoperative until the proper permutation lcombination is effected, and only .so while it lis maintained; for which reason the'clamping plate e2, and set screw e3, are provided as a means of holding the set parts against accidental displacement during'the legitimate use and operation of the motor vehicle.

When it is desired to safeguard the vehicle and motor against illicit use of any kind, the set screw e3, is loosened, and the spindle S, turned to the right or left, shifting one vor both of the contact arms 7c, 76X?, of the switch plates 7c', 702, out of engagement with the terminal contact plates g', gx.

Obviously, while either one or both of said Contact arms X?, 7W, occupy any one of the neutral areas bx, 72X, in their annular path, no electric current can pass through the switch plates 70, 702, but if contactis made simultaneously with the terminal plate 77.4, and either of the Contact plates h5, h6, the electric horn circuit will be closed, and an alarm sounded continuously until the circuit is again broken by the shifting of the switch plates 1', 7,02. By this means any clandestine tampering with the permutation spindle S, will be promptly signalled, be-l cause in efforts to learn and locate the operative vcombination the usurper is bound to rotate the spindle more or less in opposite dil rections, thereby insuring the closing of the horn circuit-as above set forth.

It will thus be seen that l not only render a knowledge of the working permutation combination absolutely essential to the operation of the motor through the medium of the electro-sparker circuit, but that li also incidentally insure audible notice of any uns lawful tampering therewith by my provision of means whereby the horn is thrown into action by any one teeling7 for said sparking combination. At the same time, provision is made by the neutralareas b", bx, for the legitimate openingI of both sparking circuit and horn circuit as ,herein set forth.

It is to be understood of course,`that the horn circuit may be closed manually as. desired by the usual means (indicated at 7L?, in Fig. 8) independent of the switch plates c, 702, in my safety appliance..

By the term permutation spindleA and mechanism as herein set forth by. way of eX- empliiication, l mean .to designate any adaptation of the permutative principle involved, without confining myself to. the identical form and construction of parts shown, since it is obvious that modifications thereof may be resorted to without departing from the spirit and intent of my invention in this respect.

l have herein shown and described an auxiliary nelectric. circuit independent ofthe sparker circuit, and arranged, upon closure by the rotatable switch plates c, k2, to sound an electric horn, which latteris however used symbolically to represent any other electrical sounding device that may be substituted therefor with likeresult.

lt is of course to be understood that the scale SX, might be transferred to the inner edge of the bearing plate j), and the pointer e, be positioned on the dial s', with like result in so far as the operative function of the permutation spindle S, is concerned.

By the use of the electro-magnetic circuit with twinV magnets m, m Which, when energized, attract the armature a, and .thereby close the direct motor sparking circuit, l attain a quicker and more positive control of the sparking circuit, and avoid the necessity for adjustments for wear, etc. 4

lhat l claim as my invention and desire to secure by Letters Patent is,

' l. ln a safety appliance of the character designated, the combination of a permutation dial spindle, a shifter arm rigidly connected therewith, an insulating sleeve interposed between said spindle and said shifting arm, switch plates independently rotatable in opposite directions on said spindle vand fixed contact plates formingI the terminals of an electric circuit controlling motor sparking; means, for the purpose described.

2. ln a safety appliance of the character designated, the combination of a permutation dial-spindle, a shifter arm rigidly connected therewith, an insulating` sleeve interposed between said spindle and said shiftingr arm, switch plates independently rotatable in opposite directions on said spindle.

and. fixed contact plates forming terminals of an electro-magnetic `circuit V,controlling direct circuit soarkingf moans, for the pur- ,ose described.. f

ln safety appliance of the character designated, the combination ofa permuta- (..ionrlial spindle, a. shifter arm mounted thereon, an insulating sleeve interposed betweenrsaid spindle andv said shifting arm, meansforfeffectingfthe adjustment of said shifter arm with relation to the dial of said thereonyan insulating vsleeve interposed between said.. spindle. andv saidshifting arm, switch plates independently rotatable in oppositedirectionson said spindle, means for securingthe latterpagainst rotation, and iixe'd contact ,plates formingthe .terminals of an electric circuit lcontrolling,` motor sparking means, Ifor ,the/.purpose described.

5.' In a safety appliance of the character designated,the,combination of a permutation .dial cylinder,.a v`shifter arm mounted thereon, an insulating. sleeve interposed between said vspindle and said shifting arm, meransfor effecting the adjustment of said shifter .arm with. relation to the dial of said spindle, switch plates independently rotatable opposite;y directions onsaidspindle, means Vfor. securing. the latter temporarily againstrotation, and, iXed contact plates forming the terminals of an electric circuit controllingniotor sparking means, for the purpose described.

`6. ,In al safety appliance of. the character designatednthe combination of. a permutation dial spindle, a shifter arm `mounted thereon andy rotatable. therewith, an insleeve,y interposed between said spindle ,y and 4 lsaid shifzingl .,aifm, switch plates independently rotatable on 'said spint le, means. for effecting'. their rotation' in .opposite directions by the shifter arm, 'and' fixed contact plates forming the terminals IofA an electric circuit controlling n 'iotor,sparliingr means', for the purpose described. A p p Y W7. In a' safety appliance of the character designated, the `combination ofJa permutationdial spindle, a', shifter arm mounted thereona'nd rotatable therewith, an insulating'hsleeve interposed between said spindle and said shifting`-arm, means. for effecting the adjustment' said shifter. arm with relation t'o` the dial, on said s` indle, switch plates ind ependentlyA rotata le on said spindle, means for effecting their rotation in opposite, directions, Aby the shifter arm, fixed ycontact kplates formingV Vthe terminals ofan electriclcircuit controlling motor sparking' means, for the purpose described. y l v l ,8. In a safety appliance of the character designated, kthe combination of a permutation dialI spindle, a shiftenarm mounted thereon' and rotatable therewith, an insulating sleeve interposedbetween said spindle and Seid. Skittles aria means .felt .effecting the adjustmentof s'aidshifter arm with relation tothe dial on saidspindle, means for securing the latter temporarily against rotation, switch platesindependently rotatableA on said spindle, means for effecting their rotation in opposite directions by means of` the shifter arm, and fixed contact plates forming the terminals of an electric circuit controlling motor sparking means, for the purpose described. l, l

9. In a safety -appliance of the character designated, the combination o-f a permutation dial spindle, a shifter arm mounted thereon and rotatable therewith, an insulating sleeve interposed between said spindle and said shifting arm, means for effecting the adjustment of said shifter arm with relation to the dial on said spindle, means for securing the latter temporarily against rotation, switch plates independently rotatable on said spindle, means for effecting their rotation in opposite directions by means of the shifter arm, and fixed contact plates forming the terminals of an electric circuit controlling motor sparking means, together with fixed contact plates in concentric alignment with the permutation dial spindle and forming the terminals of an electric alarm sounding device, for the purpose described.

10. In a safety appliance of the character designated, the combination of a permutation dial spindle, a shifter arm rigidly con nected therewith, an insulating sleeve interposed between said spindle and said shifting arm, switch plates independently rotatable in opposite directions on said spindle and xed contact plates forming the terminals of an electric circuit controlling motor sparking means, together with fixed contact plates in concentric alignment with the permutation dial spindle and forming the terminals of an electric alarm sounding device for the purpose described.

11. In a safety appliance of the character designated, the combination of a permutation dial spindle, a shifter arm rigidly connected therewith, an insulating sleeve interposed between said s indle and said shifting arm, switch plates independently rotatable in opposite directions on said spindle and fixed contact plates fo-rming terminals of an electro-magnetic circuit controlling direct circuit sparking means, together with fixed contact plates in concentric alignment with the permutation dial spindle and forming the terminals of an electric alarm sounding device, for the purpose described.

12. In a safety appliance of the character designated, the combination of a permutation dial'spindle, a shifter arm mounted thereon, an insulating sleeve interposed between said spindle and said shifting arm, means for effecting the adjustment of said shifter arm with relation to the dial of said spindle, switch plates independently rotatable in opposite directions on said spindle,v and fixed contact plates forming the termi- 'f nals of an electric circuit controlling motor sparking means, together with fixed contact` plates in concentric alignmentwith the permutation dial spindle and forming the terminals of anelectric alarm sounding device, I

for the lpurpose described.

13. In a safety appliance of the character designated, the combination of a permutation idialfspindle, a shifter arm mounted thereon, an insulating sleeve interposed between said spindleand said shifting arm,

switch plates independently rotatable -in op- `for Ithe purpose described.

14. In a safety appliance of the vcharacter l designated, the combination of a permutation dial cylinder, a shifter arm mounted thereon, an insulating sleeve interposed between said spindle and said shifting arm, means for effecting the adjustment of said shifter arm with relation to the dial of said spindle, switch plates independently rotatable in opposite directions on said spindle, means for securing the latter temporarily* against rotation, and fixed contact plates forming terminals of an electric circuit controlling motor sparking means, together with fixed contact plates in concentric alignment with the permutation dial spindle and forming the terminals of an electric alarm sounding device, for the purpose described.

15. In a safety appliance of the character designated, the combination of a permutation dial spindle, a shifter arm mounted therein and rotatable therewith, an insulating sleeve interposed between said spindle and said shifting arm, switch plates independently rotatable on said spindle, means for effecting their rotation in opposite directions by the shifter arm, and fixed contact plates forming the terminals of an electric circuit controlling motor sparking means, together with fixed contact plates in concentric alignmentwith the permutation dial spindle and forming the terminals of an electric alarm sounding. device, for the purpose described.

16. In a safety appliance of the character designated, the combination of a permutation dial spindle, a shifter arm mounted thereon and rotatable therewith, an insulating sleeve interposed vbetween said spindle and said shifting arm, means for effecting the adjustment of said shifter arm with relation to the dial on the said spindle, switch plates independently rotatable on said sqeiirldle9 mens' fo'" 'eebt' tle otfatn n opposite directions by the shifter arm', miti Xed 'contaet plates 'QrI'rilg the teimne S of an eleete cet Controlling ete sparking mea-iis, together with lifted c'ontae't plates p'n eerieertre alighment with the peimutaton cli-tl Spindle and forming the teimnals of an electric alarm S'Oclhg' devce5 fdr the prpose described.'

17. Le a Safety 'appliance of the ehm-veter n designated, the e'ombihatien of a permutetlon elle@ spmdlgrshlfter arm mdunte'd there# 011 and rotatable tlyeev'mtly 'an melatlng sleeve interposed between Seid Sp'd'le md said Shifting rm, Switch plates ndepend- 15 forming they terminals of am electro-megnete eucut', and an electric circuit c1011- trollecl by 'sd electr-@magneticel'cul't mtl 1n turn ycontro-11mg mot'or 'Sparkmg means, for the purpose desellbed.

` LEONARDMRDANO.

WtneSS'es: ,Y

GEO. WVM, Mmmm', DOROTHY MIATT. 

